St.Marys

A Child Protection Policy Statement

for
St. Mary's Boys' National School, Rathfarnham
December 2007


The Board of Management of St. Mary's Boys' National School fully endorses 'Children First', the designated guidelines for the protection and welfare of children issued by the Department of Health and Children, September 1999 and 'Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures' issued by the Department of Education and Science in April 2001.

The Board of Management nominates Mr. Mullins as the Designated Liaison Person(DLP) to act as a liaison with outside agencies such as health boards and as a resource person to any staff having child protection concerns.

In the absence of Mr. Mullins, Ms. Heffernan will act as Deputy Designated Liaison Person(DDLP).

The Board of Management will ensure that appropriate and on going training as necessary will be available for the DLP and the DDLP.

The Board of Management fully endorses arrangements for the vetting of teaching and non-teaching staff as outlined in Circular 0094/2006 from the Department of Education and Science in June 2006.

Recognising that the safety and wellbeing of children attending the school is a priority, the Board of Management undertakes to include (a) Child Protection and (b) Health and Safety matters as items on the agenda of all Board of Management meetings forthwith.

The Board of Management will ensure that all school staff, teaching and non-teaching, are aware of their obligations under the guidelines detailed in 'Children First' and the procedures to be followed in the event of concern.
If a staff member has suspicions of abuse, the DLP should be consulted and all reasons for concern should be recorded in the Caomhnú Records stored in Mr. Mullins' office. Confidentiality will be maintained as per D.E.S Guidelines 1.2.1 page five.

The Board of Management recognises that it has two duties of care. The primary duty is the protection, safety and welfare of the children attending St. Mary's Boys' National School. The Board of Management as an employer also has duties and responsibilities towards its employees.

As an employer, the Board of Management will seek legal advice if an allegation of abuse is made against a school employee.

The Board of Management will adhere to the protocol outlined in 'Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures, Department of Education and Science, 2001 under Chapter 4: “Allegations or Suspicions of Child Abuse by School Employees”, to authorise any actins required to protect the children in its care. The Board of Management notes that school employees may be subject to erroneous or malicious allegations. Any allegation of abuse should be dealt with sensitively. The employee should be treated fairly which includes the right not to be judged in advance of a full and fair enquiry. The Board of Management accepts the principles of natural justice and fair procedures must be adhered to.

The Board of Management believes that the academic, personal and social development of children flourishes in a culture where good relationships are encouraged, people feel valued and respected and appropriate support is available for those in difficulty.

The Board of Management is committed to the maintenance of an environment where children feel secure, where they are encouraged to express themselves and are listened to. All children in the school will be made aware that there are adults in the school whom they can approach if they are worried. In addition, opportunities will be included in the curriculum for the children to develop the skills they need to keep them safe. The Stay Safe Programme will be taught in Senior Infants, Second Class, Fourth Class and Sixth Class as outlined in our timetable for S.P.H.E, see subject plan.

If children are withdrawn by parental request they will be accomodated in another teacher's classroom.

Children with special needs are included in Stay Safe Programme but activities may be adopted to facilitate their learning. Learning Support/Resource teaching may supplement work of class teacher where necessary. A Stay Safe Programme for children with Special Educational Needs is available from the S.P.H.E Co-ordinator, Ms Lizzie Houston.

The Board of Management undertakes to circulate this Child Protection policy statement to all parents and guardians at the time of enrolment and on a regular basis thereafter. This policy statement and 'Children First' will also be available at the school office.

This policy statement regarding Child Protection at St. Mary's Boys' National School applies to all staff, members of the Board of Management, volunteers and contractors working in the school.

This policy statement will be subject to review at the start of each academic year forthwith.



Signed:_____________________Chairperson
_____________________DLP
_____________________DDLP Date:____________________